What Is The Blood Brain Barrier

How does this gateway control the molecules that pass from the blood into the brain.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an essential group of cells that line the blood vessels in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

They allow passage of materials between the clear fluid surrounding the brain (cerebrospinal fluid) and the red blood cells in arteries, veins and capillaries. The key advantage of having such a barrier is that it prevents large microorganismspassing into the brain and causing infections.

While infections in other areas are common (such as after a cut finger, or mild chest infections), those affecting the brain are much rarer. However when they do occur (eg meningitis), they are potentially life threatening as they are very difficult to treat.

The tight junctions between cells regulate the size and type of particle that pass between them, including oxygen molecules, carbon dioxide molecules, nutrients and hormones. Since it’s so effective, it also stops medications from entering the brain (such as certain antibiotics), so while they are effective in the rest of the body, they are ineffective in this vital organ.

Overcoming this is a major aim of doctors in the next decade, and the battle has already started. Manipulating the blood-brain barrier’s natural transport mechanisms and delivering drugs within nanoparticles to squeeze through the tight junctions are just two examples of the modern techniques that are under development.

Crossing the BBB

The endothelial lining of the blood-brain barrier loves lipids (fatty molecules), but it hates particles with high electrical charges (ions) and large substances. Thus the ideal substance is small, rich in lipids and has a low electrical charge.

Barbiturates are such an example, as they freely flow across the blood-brain barrier to suppress brain function; they act as sedatives and antidepressants. However this free movement comes with risks – too much of it will accumulate and slow the brain to a point where you can lose consciousness and even stop breathing.

Blood Brain Barrier facts

Astrocyte – These numerous star-shaped cells provide biochemical support to the endothelial cells, and also play an important role in transportation and repair.

Just passing through – Some ions are transported out of the blood cells and into the astrocytes, and then out of the astrocytes and into neurons in the brain.

Special transport – Active and passive transporters across this membrane can overcome some of these problems, and be manipulated to deliver medications to the correct place.

Highly charged – Highly charged ions are repelled, meaning that some medications are ineffective in the brain.